Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-08-14
rsfE LAgr az PURYEAE.
Ilis statement Faise-oiher
PetefAhurg Ttems.
lCorrespondonce Of the Richmond Dispatch.l

Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.l
PETERSBURG, August -, 1887.
After the body of Puryear had been
cut down yesterday afternoon there
was a request made on the part of the
large crowd OF people present that
they should have the privilege of view
ing it. This was declined by Mr..
Morris, the undertaken, who had given
a receipt for the body to the Sheriff,
unless consent was given by the nearest
friend Of the family, who was present.
lie acceded to the desire OF the people,
and after the body had been properly
prepared and placed in casket it was
exposed to the public view. The peo-
pie filed by it, each one pausing a mo-
ment to look at the features. 1t is sup
posed that fully 800 or 1000 persons
took look at the corpse.
The body was. subsequently, brought
to the undertaking establishment OF
Mr.. j. L. Morriss, in this city, where
it was embalmed at $50 o'clock it
was turned over to the friends of the
family, and by them taken out to the
home of Furyear's parents, about six
teen miles from the city. 4 goodly
number of persons here were allowed
to see the body. 1t is said 10 have
been very lifehke in appearance-tbe
features showing none of the peculiar
characteristics usual to hanging. There
was no discoloration about the face or
Lulping Of the eyes. This is thought
to have been due to the great loss OF
blood sustained by the unfortunate
man consequent upon his selfiufiicted
wounds, as well rs TO the belief that he
tainted iut before the drop OF the
tIap-doors.
The funeral was set for [ o'clock this
afternoon, and in accordance with the
expressed desire of the deceased the
body was quietly inferred between two
cherry trees near the family homestead,
which had been planted by his own
hands.
4 sTArZaiENT DENIED.
Tie officers Of the Jail here en-
phahcaliy deny the statement made by
uryear yesterday to his spiritual adj
wiser that he inflicted the wounds upon
his neck and arm at 1 o'clock A. VI.
) guard was with him all night, who
only left him for a minute, at a quarter
TO O'Clock, and il was during that
bliei absence from the cell that the
suicide was attempted. This statement
is verified by several responsible gen
tlemen who were at the jail at the
time.
PAINFUL ACCIDENT.
Sergeant L. T. Berry, of the police
corps, was very painfully injured yes
terday afternoon while returning from
Prince George Courthouse in buggy
with Treasurer Couch. A sudden shying
of the spirited horse they were driving
caused both gentlemen to be thrown
from the vehicle. Sergeant Berry was
thrown against tree and was badly
hurt. Mr.. Couch was also considera-
bly, bruised. Neithergentleman, how
ever, is dangerously injured.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
The steamer George Law, which was
some days ago sunk IN the Appomattox
river, with large party of colored ex-
cursionists on board, was raised yester-
day afternoon. She is sound, bat we'll
caked with mud, and will be imme-
diotely repaired.
Sergeant j. 4. Johnston, who for
two weeks has been in constant attend
anoe in court on the Langston trial,
was taken sick this morning and had to
leave the building.
Mr.. John McGill has been visiting
in Canada for several days. His family
are at the seaside.
Mr.. Stanhope Robinson, who hes
heen i'll for several weeks, is able to be
about again.
Rev. DR.. r. n. Sledd is visiting in
Powhatan county, and will be absent
for several weeks.
Mr.. John w. Bradbury and family
are spending the month at the New
River White.
Mr.. William Cameron and wife are
on the ocean en- route for Europeto be
absent some weeks. ROBIN ADAIa.